LaLena MaeRee wrote:I'm from the state of Idaho, in the bigger cities and towns you can't even think about building a dog house without a permit. However, there are lots of old mining towns, and mountain areas where you can do whatever the hell you want. I have seen people living in shacks of all kinds, even junkyards. I lived in one of the old mining towns in my teen years and even the local cops had properties with multiple small shacks everyone lived in, they all let their kids have their own little house out back that was essentially a plywood shack or camper or old broken van, whatever they could sleep in and put a fireplace into usually. We still visit that area, everyone still lives the same way. You even occasionally see a 5 year old leading a gigantic mule down the street for exercise. I guess it is true the backwoods of Idaho are pretty "hillbilly." Beautiful area though, I haven't been anywhere with fresher air and cleaner rivers yet than the mountains of Idaho 
I've spent most of my life in Idaho, and have putzed around a bit in the "backwoods" and am curious as to where you were. There are some towns that are very lax and not too far from Boise, even. I think in general, there are many areas you could get away with a lot, but remember the Ruby Ridge incident happened in Idaho, so don't get too secure in the thoughts of "I can do anything".
To the question of disasters, etc... In general, Idaho has fabulous seasons, gorgeous scenery (some of the best on earth, IMO), and for the most part, really nice people. Idaho does occasionally experience earth quakes, and when those volcanoes eventually blow, it's all over. Other than that - there is nothing going on that would cause any disaster prepping to be necessary.
I would tend to agree that the farther out from the bigger towns/cities you are, the "safer" you are as far as freedom to do what you want without too much hassle. I am pretty sure that is the case in most places. I can tell you this, though. Not too many years back, a land owner approximately 30 miles out of Boise wanted Idaho Power to bring out power. He was quoted a rediculous price for them to drag the lines out to him. He did his homework and put up a wind turbine, eventually put up 3 of them. Because he was producing extra power, Idaho Power drug the lines out to buy his excess. He's producing enough for himself, a few "neighbors", and selling the rest to Idaho Power. Smart guy. Granted, he's out in the open desert area, and turbines are totally legal, with no height restrictions. Let this be an example, just because they tell you one thing, doesn't mean that's the definitive answer... do your research!
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